Hakeem Jeffries Blasts Stephen Miller After Trump Names Him White House Chief of Staff
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries has wasted no time picking his first target in the Trump administration, launching a blistering attack on Stephen Miller after President Trump named him the next White House chief of staff.
Trump announced Friday that Miller will replace outgoing chief of staff Susie Wiles starting Monday, November 9, as the White House reorganizes after Republican losses in the midterm elections.
"Stephen Miller is a dangerous xenophobe and reckless extremist who has American blood on his hands," Jeffries wrote on X. "His presence in government should be eradicated like a malignant tumor. Fire him today."
Jeffries is in line to become Speaker when Democrats take control of the House in January, and his post made clear that Miller should expect immediate resistance from the new majority.
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Schumer Piles On
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer was just as combative. Trump "couldn't have made a worse choice," Schumer said, blaming Miller for what he called "the most barbaric, inhumane policies of this administration."
Schumer vowed that Democratic majorities in Congress would "fight him all the way."
Trump described the 41-year-old Miller as one of his most trusted advisers. "I am pleased to announce that Mr. Stephen Miller, the current Deputy Chief of Staff of the Trump Administration, and one of my most trusted advisors, will become the Chief of Staff," Trump wrote.
Wiles, the first woman to serve as White House chief of staff, will move to Trump's political operation. "Susie Wiles, who has done an outstanding job, will be moving over to the Trump Political Operation," the president said.
"He Gets It"
Trump told reporters he "wanted to make a change" and praised Miller as "very good politically." "Stephen's been with me from the beginning," Trump said. "He gets it." He added that the change was not prompted by Tuesday's election results.
Miller has been one of Trump's most influential advisers since joining his 2016 campaign. He returned after the 2024 victory as deputy chief of staff for policy and homeland security adviser, and became a principal architect of the administration's immigration agenda.
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Republicans quickly rallied behind him. Vice President JD Vance called Miller "an amazing patriot" who "will do great things," while Secretary of State Marco Rubio described him as "one of the President's most trusted and longtime advisors."
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth called Miller "a true patriot and America First fighter," and Attorney General Todd Blanche said he looked forward to continuing their work together.
White House Communications Director Steven Cheung called Miller a "Trump OG" and said there was "no bigger advocate for the Trump agenda than Stephen."
A Battle Taking Shape
The promotion comes as Trump prepares to face Democratic-controlled committees armed with subpoena power for the final two years of his presidency. Democrats are already planning investigations into immigration enforcement, Trump family business dealings and the administration's ties to major corporations.
Miller himself could become a focus of that scrutiny because of his central role in immigration policy. For his part, he praised Trump as "the most transformative political leader in American History."
The sharply different reactions show the confrontation taking shape in Washington, with Trump elevating one of his most loyal advisers just as Democrats get ready to take power.